The McPhersonClarke Advantage

ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT

McPhersonClarke has more than 40 years combined experience (25 years through McPherson Management Ltd., and 15 years through Clarke Association Services Inc.) as an association management and conference planning company. Our experience is what propels us forward because we know what it takes to properly and effectively manage all of the day-to-day operations of a not-for-profit organization.

We believe the quality of our staff and our management expertise is the reason why our clients have chosen us as their management company. Our staff are trained professionals with appropriate education and experience to support the daily activities of your association or event. Our Association Professionals will seek out opportunities to enhance strategic management activity for your association. They have extensive experience working with a variety of associations which enables our clients to benefit from the best practices used in the association community. Often an opportunity with one client applies to another (e.g. Event Planning). That is why with each new client, we undertake an internal strategic session with the staff to reaffirm or establish direction. This direction sets the stage for the performance expectations to be met within the budget of your association and the association management services.

The Leadership Advantage

McPhersonClarke can provide much more than basic administrative and secretarial support, we can also provide professionals who can take on an executive leadership role within the organization. McPhersonClarke has professionals with the appropriate education and experience who can fill the role of Executive Director, Chief Staff Officer (CSO), or Association Manager. These professionals can provide strategic direction for your organization by helping plan, develop and implement key policies and directions for your associations to take. These professionals have provided leadership to a number of associations of different sizes, in different life cycles, and in different industries. They have the skills necessary to take your association to the next level.

The Geographic Advantage

McPhersonClarke is the only association management company in Canada with two fully staffed and well equipped offices. Our offices are located in Ottawa, Ontario and Calgary, Alberta.

Why Ottawa?

Our eastern office in Ottawa puts us on the doorstep to the Government of Canada, the ideal location for Canadian National Associations. Ottawa is also home to government organizations such as the Senate, Parliament, and the Supreme Court of Canada and is home to a large number of foreign embassies. Ottawa is a thriving international technology and business centre and is a world class tourism and convention destination. Its tourism and convention industry generates over $2 billion in economic activity and has over 7 million visitors per year.

Why Calgary?

Our western office in Calgary puts us in one of the fastest growing cities in North America with a current population just under 1 million people. Calgary has a well rounded economy that boasts many diverse interests. Traditionally an “oil city”, Calgary also is a centre for agriculture, high tech, education, and real estate. Calgary is in the centre of “The West” and is Western Canada’s domestic hub for seven of North America’s major airlines. Its airport is Canada’s 3rd busiest serving 8.6 million passengers annually to national and international destinations. Calgary is a logical choice for meetings and conventions and is home to many not-for-profit organizations serving members right across the country.

Ottawa and Calgary?

With offices in Ottawa and Calgary, McPhersonClarke opens the door for National and International Associations wanting maximum exposure to their members in the east and in the west. Avoid cultural and time differences by having 2 association office locations, rather than one.

Why Canada?

International associations can also enjoy the geographic advantages of having two office locations on either side of the continent. Members can reach their association office easier and more conveniently without having to worry about time zone differences.

The Financial Advantage

International associations have chosen McPhersonClarke not only for our experience and expertise, but also for the financial advantage. Our International clients offering membership in U.S. funds benefit from the increased value in procuring administrative services and supplies in Canada.

McPhersonClarke also has a large network of resources that can be drawn upon when needed. We have a full compliment of trained specialists who can be assigned to projects on an as-needed basis. We use our resources and personal contacts to your benefit, giving your association increased flexibility, more service options, and higher cost savings through stronger buying and negotiating power for purchase of meeting space, supplies, printing, and other services used regularly by your organization.

Because we operate in a “shared resources” environment, our client associations also benefit through greater cost savings while maintaining full staff support. You are not paying for the higher costs of having to equip and maintain an office and cover the overhead costs that you would normally have to pay when operating out of your own office. Reduced costs in areas such as insurance, leasing, telephone costs and email connection costs plus many more due to bulk purchases are enjoyed in a shared resource organization such as McPhersonClarke.

The Service Advantage

McPhersonClarke offers a complete range of services that will meet your organizations every need. And you only have to deal with us; one company, one supplier, one location. It is part of our corporate philosophy. You tell us what you want and we will make it happen. Our services are designed to facilitate the achievement of the overall mission of your organization by giving you the service you need, when you need it, allowing leaders to focus on industry issues and policy decisions. McPhersonClarke also has the advantage to provide our services in both French and English.

McPhersonClarke also has a large network of resources that can be drawn upon when needed. We have a full compliment of trained specialists who can be assigned to projects on an as-needed basis. We use our resources and personal contacts to your benefit, giving your association increased flexibility, higher cost savings, and more options when it comes to getting the services you need, when you need them, and done on time.

To strengthen our service advantage, McPhersonClarke is highly loyal and committed to cause of all our client associations. We take the time to become familiar with our clients, know the facts about each, and promote them effectively. Our commitment to your cause is what propels us forward. Knowing that your association makes a difference is what drives our staff to make a difference for you. When you succeed, we succeed.